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“Rebecca, I’d just like you to know how much we appreciated The Good Life. Your production standards were wonderful, you and your staff were fun to work with. Every month Kimberly and I would debate what image to put into the Good Stuff. A whole day would revolve around coming up with the right picture. The articles were well written, the subjects were timely, the layout was clean and easy to read. I have emailed pages to my suppliers in Europe and they were always thrilled with the quality the production.I’m so sorry to hear that you will be closing. You will be missed here at Things Celtic. I wish you the best success in the new year and in your future endeavors.”

Yours most sincerely,Lanora DavidsonThings Celtic

“My name is Michelle Mock. I am one of the sexual assault survivors that was featured in April Boland’s article recently. You and I met at the panel/ meeting to promote the article. I just heard from April that the magazine will be ceasing publication! I can’t believe it!I just wanted to say how grateful I am to have been a part of this. I also wanted to pass on a hug to you and your wife. I can only imagine how hard it was to arrive at this decision and I appreciate everything you have done. THANK YOU. You have touched the lives of many people, including myself. The magazine will be sorely missed.”

Michelle Mock

“Dear Rebecca and Ken,Well, you both certainly have fought the good fight. I and every other ink-stained wretch I know is walking around utterly dazed and wondering if any of us still have jobs. For so many, already, the answer is either “no” or “yes,” but you’ll be making half to a third of what you used to.Anyway, like so many others, I have enjoyed your labor of love immensely over the years and raise a glass of whatever to toast you for your valiant efforts.”

Besos, Sarah Bird, novelist

“Ken,That really is sad news. I’m sorry to hear it. The magazine was such a unique blend of lifestyle, community news and city hall politics. It will be missed.Best of luck to you and Rebecca. I look forward to seeing what you guys come up with next. I suspect it will be good.”

Debbie Holt,managing editor, Austin American-Statesman

“Ken,Sorry to hear the sad news about The Good Life Magazine, one publication that I really enjoyed reading. But when you run out of resources, the only option is the one you picked. Best of luck in your efforts at redirecting your and Rebecca’s life. As someone who once travelled that treacherous road, I can tell you that there is life after those events. I know that I came out of my “financial hole” stronger and more focused.”

Buena suerte,TavoGus Garcia

“Dear Ken,I’m so sad to hear you are closing your doors. You have been so very kind to Austin Lyric Opera and to me. I hope you find a wonderful place land. Please let me know. All my good wishes!”

Molly Browning Director of Public Relations Austin Lyric Opera

“Wow ... I am deeply saddened by this news. ... The Good Life was an excellent magazine for our community, and it’s hard to imagine it being gone. Mike and I have come to rely on picking up our monthly copies at Casa de Luz, and not reading it any more will be a loss for both of us. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to work with you and write stories for The Good Life, and I’m especially glad we have now have a friendship that will endure.I will look forward to seeing what your next endeavor will be, and in the meantime, we’ll be in touch.”

Hugs,Karen Blizzard, freelance writer

“I’m really sorry to hear that Good Life magazine is going out of business. You’ve done a great job, and covered a lot of important issues – on many fronts. Your great work has made Austin a better place to live. Please keep in touch – and let us know what you’re doing.”

“This makes me so sad. There’s never been an Austin monthly like The Good Life. I can’t tell you how many times y’all brought a unique perspective to the issues of the day plus we’ve come to love and religiously read many of your columnists (OK, maybe not love all of them, but we read them anyway!) and you’ve provided a place for so many great writers. I know how much y’all have put into this and how you have always worked to continually make it better. It’s very sad and we’ll miss it. But even more so we wish the best.”

Mike BlizzardBlizco Productions

“Oh, Ken, I’m so sorry to hear this news. I confess, I wondered how things were going in these tough times. I’m sure you and Rebecca will land on your feet. I’ll certainly be holding a good thought for you. Thanks for all that you gave me - the chance to work hard at work worth doing and to be paid for writing, which is all I ever want.”

Take care,Lynett Oliver, freelance writer

“Sorry to hear that you are ceasing publication of The Good Life...you will be missed...”

Paul FourrierInvisible Fence of TX & NM

“This is such disturbing news; a reflection of the sad state, overall, of print journalism. I was in D.C. just last week and the atmosphere at the National Press Club is one of gloom and doom. You’re not alone, if that’s any weird comfort. Honestly, I was just telling John Aielli--whom I ran into lunching at Central Market--that you are my favorite editor. Seriously. For many reasons you and Rebecca and the magazine will be missed. Top-notch editors like you are rare.I wish you the best of luck. Let me know hear from you when decide on your next role in life.”

All best wishes, Gwen Gibson, freelance writer

“Oh my goodness, I am completely stunned. What a loss for Austin and for your friends who have loved your work. The Good Life has been an iconic venture that helped us all focus on things that warm the heart and stimulate the mind. Its absence will be felt sharply, and I will miss those big, beautifully designed covers. I know that you will find a way to continue to bless our community with your vision and eloquence.”

Saundra Kirk

“Ah hell, Ken, I’m so sorry to hear this. You are a fine journalist, one of the best I’ve ever worked alongside and someone who deserves success, not having to send out announcements such as this. And your occasional notes to me complimenting me on something I did always meant more to me than 10 such notes from general readers.I will get this in the paper tomorrow if it’s OK with you. I’m the night editor for the holiday today, and can make that happen.”

Ben Wearreporter, Austin American-Statesman

“Ken!!!I am stricken! What a loss...I am so sorry to hear this news..you guys created the mold for a heart-felt, soul-ful, so Austin publication...we need to mourn this death...maybe a long, drunken Irish wake...or at least a chance to thank you for all the good you’ve done these last 11+ years.”

“This is sad news! I’m very sorry to hear it. I’ve always enjoyed the Good Life because the stories were quite relevant in my “Austinite” worldview.Your “labor of love” was enjoyed by many, and I wish you the best in your future endeavors!”

Best,Bonnie SpangoleAustin Community College

“I am so very sorry to hear this. Ya’ll have been such an important resource for the community. Thank you both for all your hard work and generosity as well as friendship. I wish you the best. We need more voices in Austin, not fewer. Good Life will be sorely missed.”

“Wow Ken, I’m so sorry. I have always loved your mags and you gave me hope that independent mags could still survive. You did so many things right that Scott and I did wrong (like selling ads). This is very sad. I very much expect that the both of you will land on your feet. You have too much talent not to be swept quickly into anything you decide to do.”

:( Kathy Mitchell, freelance writer

“Thank you for helping us feel connected to the community. Special thanks to Donna Nelson for her kindness, professionalism and persistence – She seems a quality person. She certainly tried to make advertising work for us and I’d be willing to vouch for her if she ever needs it. We wish you all the best in your new adventures. Be well.”

Norman McCallumWestlake Clinic

“Austin will miss The Good Life --Several years ago we suspended Plain View Press for a year or so. What I think is that what we are informs our work -- and that a break is sometimes necessary before we can catch the next wave. There is one rising. It’s fairly wire-headed. And, from the looks of the concert yesterday, it may have some art in it. And when the major publishers fall (as they are doing) there’s an open field there for independents. I look forward to seeing what you find next.”

OnwardSusan Bright

“Oh my God, Ken! I am so, so sorry to hear this news. It’s such a great publication, and I am so grateful to you for giving my writing a place in your pages. I’m not sure what I can do to help you during this transition, I will certainly try. Yeah, I’ll miss the paycheck that always came at the perfect time of the month, but that’s small potatoes next to what you and Rebecca are losing.”

Cecilia Nasti, columnist

“Donna Nelson, I wish you all the luck in the world. Your perseverance and “stick to it” attitude was refreshing, thank you for following up and following through. Have a “Good Life”.

Diane SchoutenAsh Creek Homes, Inc.

“I am so very sorry to hear this news. Thank you both so much for giving me the opportunity to do something as important as my features proved to be. Best of luck and please keep in touch, especially if there is ever anything I can do to return the favor.”

April Boland, freellance writer

“Dearest Ken, I am sorry to know that you and Rebecca will no longer publish The Good Life. It was a smart, handsome and entertaining read and in my opinion it doesn’t get much better than that. I especially want you to know that you have been by far the absolute best editor I have ever worked with. I am a much better writer for having known you. Should there ever come a time when you think that I could help I am begging you to give me the opportunity to pitch in. Long story short: I am a huge fan and am wishing you both the best in your next adventures.”

Respectfully yours, Leslie Belt, freelance writer

“Ken, I have greatly enjoyed The Good Life and will miss picking it up each month. You made a wonderful contribution to our City’s cultural understandings and community identities. Thank you so much for so faithfully serving the Sierra Club’s mission to explore, enjoy, and protect the planet all of these years. I will ‘favorite’ TheGoodLifeMag on my browser and look for your next expressions of love and joy whatever form you may chose for them.”

“Oh I am so sad. Most of all I don’t want to lose track of you (and Rebecca) you gave me a gift which was allowing me to detox in a monthly stream of consciousness and you would never let me quit. I truly adore you and this long road we hoed.”

xox,Becca Hensley, columnist

“Ken,You and your team have produced such fine editorial content and an ever-increasingly attractive publication for this community. it will be missed. You have done much to raise awareness about important issues and go in depth on complicated matters. I’ve appreciated your support for so many important issues, particularly the green ones, over the years. You and Rebecca are truly kindred spirits.Out of the ashes will rise something powerful I’m sure. In the meantime, is there anything I can do to help?With gratitude for who you are and all you have done...”

Sincerely,Brandi Clarkwww.econetworking.com

“We will miss you-and all of your courageous, valiant efforts to make a difference...which you did, many times over. It’s never easy taking a stand, if it was, I guess a stand wouldn’t need to be taken. But you did, for 13 long years-what an accomplishment! Thank YOU again.”

Michael and Wendy Arbuckle Pilates Center of Austin

“I’m very sorry to see this. Austin will be the poorer for the end of the Good Life. Thank you for letting me be a part of the last couple of years. I’ve learned a lot about writing from your patient editing. My best to you and Rebecca.”

Robert Singleton, columnist

“Dear Ken and Rebecca,I will truly miss The Good Life in Austin as you two have presented it for the last several years. And well beyond the wonderful calendars that you made sure included so many of the offerings of Austin’s smaller non profits - like the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum. You led the focus on Austin’s Originals and the importance of sustaining Austin’s own creative merchants, strongly urging us to Shop Locally long before it became the Cool Thing to do.”

Best wishes on your next adventures,Nelie

“Such sad news, but an auspicious time for a new beginning! Thanks for the years of hard work y’all put in to produce “The Good Life”; it was fun to watch the magazine blossom and grow. We’ll miss seeing it here in the store and all around Austin. Thanks for letting us know, and I’ll pass the word here at TNG. Best of luck to you and Rebecca in your next endeavor.”

Holly StewartThe Natural Gardener, Inc.

“Ken, I am so sorry to hear about the demise of the Good Life. I know that it has been a labor of love for you. When you first got the magazine going, I wondered how long you it would last, given the 900-pound gorillas (Statesman and Chronicle) and a bunch of chimps. But with considerable perseverance and talent, you managed to churn out enjoyable issues month after month, year after year. I always enjoyed reading it. I say you should declare victory, then give yourself a well-deserved rest.”

Bill McCann, writer

“Ahhhhrrgggh. Ken, I just finished reading Good Life yesterday morning at Texas French Bread waiting on a meeting....was just thinking about how I’d really like to write something. I’m so sorry to hear this. Thanks for all the great articles (and columns) over the years, and best of luck to both you and Rebecca. Keep me in the loop on what you’re plans are...I’d be curious to know of you new pursuits.”

Rob D’Amico, freelance writer

“With equally deep regret, I read this email and wish that I could have done more. We enjoyed the mag on every level and should it rise like Phoenix from the ashes- maybe just an internet rag?- we hope we will be in a position to jump back on board. Keep in touch Rebecca and let us know what you are doing!”

Cheers,Lynn RaridonForbidden Fruit

“I wish I had words to describe how sorry I am - I know that you poured your heart into every issue. And I want to tell you that I loved working for you. You were a writer’s dream editor; always supportive and helpful during the creative process.I wish you the best - and I hope you stay in touch. If there’s another opportunity for us to work together, I would take it. You make it sooo easy.”

Best,Michelle Moon Reinhardt

“I want to add my voice to those letting you know how much we loved and appreciated The Good Life and especially your vision and leadership. I personally loved all the interesting information and thought-provoking columns. I wish that as a small business owner I would have been able to do more to help support it.As for the Remarkable Women’s Community we are grateful and proud to have been the beneficiaries of your graciousness. This organization is still working to provide positive ways to build community. Please know that you and your work are valued and will be greatly missed.”

Gratefully and with much admiration,Sherry ScottResource ConnectionRemarkable Women’s Community

“Oh, sorry to hear this! I have such great memories of working with you Ken!”Best in all that the future holds,

Patti DeNucciDeNucci & Co.

“I am so sorry to hear this! Coming from another part of publishing that’s being pounded by the economy, too, I completely sympathize...but I hate so much for you two to be suffering from it, too.I admire so much what you and Rebecca have done with the magazine. Knowing that the fault is not yours for having to close is cold comfort, I’m sure, but I sure hope you feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment for keeping it going for so long. It was a remarkable entity you created and nurtured, and you had an impact on a lot of lives.”

Jean and Ercel Brashear

“Ken, I am so sorry to hear that! I know how much of your heart and soul you both have put into the magazine - both as a reader and as a writer who has always thought it was a privilege to write for you.”

Amy Lemen, freelance writer

“Sorry to hear that The Good Life’s days are ending. Thank you for all you have done to support our community.”

All the best on your next journey,Jennee GallandEnvironmental EducatorBarton Springs/ Edwards Aquifer Conservation District

“Dear Ken,As soon as I saw the entry in the subject slot, I figured this is what the message contained. I don’t know why.I am sorry to hear this. Many thanks for the opportunity to work with you and to explore for a few months a different type and length of essay writing. You are a good editor, writer, reader and person.”

Tom Palaima, writer

“Dear Ken and Rebecca,What unfortunate news, and what a loss for Austin as a community!You have always been so generous with your assistance in helping get the word out about our fundraisers and events throughout the city. We send our good thoughts and optimism that you remain public figures that help generate interest and direct involvement in Austin.All of the best to you and Rebecca; your approach to public service in media is profound, and Project Transitions cherishes our relationship that we have built over these years!”

“Rebecca,You did a great job through the years. I will miss your magazine. Good luck in your next chapter. Change is good. Tomorrow we start with a new President. I truly wish you all the Best!”Warmly,

Trey MassengaleZanzibar Home and Gift

“I’m very sorry to read about the demise of the magazine. This is a loss for Austin, a loss for writers, and of course a loss for you.Thanks for all your hard work and your gift to Austin. Let’s talk about it over a beer very soon. And of course my love to your publisher!”

Robin Cravey

“I am deeply shocked and saddened to know The Good Life is no more. You and Rebecca must be heartbroken. It has been a genuine pleasure to know you, to write for you, and to be a part of the magazine. I will always appreciate the many writing opportunities you gave me over these many years and all that I learned from them and from you.I wish you all the luck in the world and look forward to seeing what you do next. Whatever it is, I’m sure it will be great. Please know I would jump at the chance to write for you again.”

Take good care,Ann Guidry, freelance writer

“I could easily write volumes about how much I appreciate you two and the magazine. I love The Good Life and I’m sad to hear about this change of direction. Your collective work really embodied the spirit of Austin to me, and we will be a lesser community without your generosity. Please let me know how I can help anywhere along the way.”With mucho admiration & optimism for the future,

Chris SearlesSustainable Shopper’s Ball

“Oh wow Ken. I am so, so sorry. I know you have really worked hard to make that magazine a valuable part of Austin and you have succeeded. I hope that you are able to take a little time to breathe and reflect and ponder and also to take account of all the good work you have done. Perhaps a list of all your successes would feel good right now and a magazine of that quality for 11 years running is a major league success.I have loved working with you. I have never had a more thorough editor than you and I really learned a lot from the stories we did together. I wish you all the best.”

Gratefully and peacefully yours,Bernadette Noll, freelance writer

“Hello Ken and Rebecca,Wow. I was so sad when I read your email. This really sucks. I mean, I know, I know, a door closes a window opens or whatever they say. But how very sad for Austin that TGL is going away. Sorry for your loss and for our loss.Thank you so much for all you gave with TGL. It was wonderfulworking with you. I know your pay scale didn’t match Conde Nast, but your kindness, spirit, and professionalism far, far surpassed that of any other editor or publication I worked with. I always knew just what you wanted, how you wanted it, when you wanted it, and what I would be paid and when I would be paid. I also loved having a local perch for my writing. So I send you heaps of gratitude for all of that. I hope y’all find something new, exciting, and profitable very soon.”

With Love and Gratitude,Spike Gillespie, freelance writer

“I just checked my email and I am so sorry to hear your news. The Good Life magazine was an excellent publication with high quality stories and production. It will be missed in Austin.Even more, I am so grateful for the passion and effort you and Rebecca showed in every issue. I appreciate you taking a chance on an unknown writer and I have enjoyed every assignment I have written for you. You helped me get to know my new hometown and your love for Austin was palpable in every page.Once again, I am so sorry and I want to thank you again for the honor and pleasure of writingfor your magazine.”

All the best,Bonnie Neel, freelance writer

“I thought 2009 would be a survival year. Wrong. The toll is already tough. Our thoughts are with you both.Hill Country Hardscrabble. Like you need a new name for a new publication! I never understood how you all did what you have done for so long. I am grateful for having had the joy of The Good Life. Thank you for sharing from your heart. I will be interested in keeping up with your journey as the way opens up for you.”

Peace and Kindest RegardsIra and Roxanne Yates

“Ken,I was so sorry to read that y’all are closing The Good Life. Over the years, I’ve had to close a couple of publications so I understand how it feels.The terrible economy and the changing technology are giant problems for all of publishing.You guys put your heart into the magazine and it showed. Thank you for bringing us quality stuff for so many years. I look forward to what the future will bring you.”

George Phenix

“Thanks for the report, Ken. I had noted your plans when Jo reported them recently.All the very best wishes to you and your wife. I hope you enjoy many future successes.”

With regards,Howard Falkenberg

“I am so sorry to hear about Good Life’s fate. It was truly a great breath of fresh air.”

Best regards,Jacque Smith

“I thought that, 24 hours after getting your email, my thoughts might be more collected so I could better respond and express my deep regret that the ride is over with the magazine. It’s been extraordinary being able to contribute to your publication. I truly appreciate the opportunity I had writing about “Intimacies” for you and hosting groups at BookPeople. I love having a good excuse to directly address matters that rarely get whispered. My head is still spinning in response to your announcement and I no longer know clearly how to answer when people ask me, “What do you do?”Your news came as a big surprise. The magazine seemed so strong after all the work you did to convert to the new, smaller format and to launch the new website. The Good Life has been a vital part of the community and it will be missed by writers and readers alike.I wish you both only the best and hope that you can find peace and prosperity in the next phase of your lives. Please stay in touch.”

Best regards,Karen Kreps,freelance writer

“Oh, Rebecca. This is sad news. Austin is losing an important journalistic voice and I will miss it.”

Dave ShawRussell/Shaw

“Dear Ken,I share in your regret, and offer you and Rebecca my most sincere condolences in this loss. It is a loss to the Austin community. The Good Life was a beacon of editorial integrity and professionalism in the local publishing community. I will miss it sorely, and hope that what it stood for will emerge again. Thank you for making it all it was for so long. I will fondly remember working with you - and hope to do so again in some capacity, some day.”

Best wishes,Beth Goulart, freelance writer

“Wow. What a loss to our community. Thank you both for all the time, energy, and love that you poured into The Good Life. The next adventure is coming soon and I hope that it exceeds your wildest expectations!”

With much admiration of all you have done, and who you both are,Carolyn Bonnington

“I’m so very sorry to hear that you’re no longer able to publish the Good Life. It is one of the best things about the Austin public spirit. You have created a rich legacy that shines on, and will live on in all who participated in bringing out your magazine.”

James Tynes, writer

“Rebecca,I am sad to hear of the farewell to The Good Life. I look back on those early days with you and Ken and sitting at that big table with great fondness. I too shall be closing the doors on my business due to the economy. However, when one door closes another one opens. I wish you the very best in your future endeavors and I know the “good life” will find you once again. Please let me know where you land once the dust settles.”

Best regards and warm wishes,Jeff Winter

“I’ve been a fan of Good Life since I moved here. You guys so some great story telling... better than the other Austin magazines, that’s for sure. I just wanted to say that I’m sorry you’ve had to stop printing. This must have been a tough decision. But I also wanted to say that I hope you continue your online presence and expand the distribution of your digital magazine.”

Monica M. Williams GivingCity Austin

“Ken - I can’t tell you how sorry I am to hear this news. I’ve always enjoyed your publication, and respected it for its journalistic integrity. I hope that you and Rebecca find work that helps to express your significant talent; something that is rewarding and sustainable. My deepest, heartfelt regrets go out to you, as I’m sure this is a difficult loss for you both.”

Best Regards,Christine R. CoxFreelance Writer/ReporterMedia Relations

“Ken,I was so surprised with the news! I have really enjoyed working with you and Rebecca in spreading the news about Violet Crown Garden Club. The information that I have learned from Good Life has been such an asset to my life and am going to be lost without the information that I have received from your publication.I hope that some day when things get better, you will be able to find a way to be involved with another venue like Good Life. The information that your magazine has spread around Austin will truly be missed.”

Best of luck to both of you in your future.Sandra Holt

“I was so sorry to receive the news from Donna on Saturday. I have really enjoyed reading The Good Life over the years, and actually used to save back issues so I could sit and enjoy articles on lengthy trips. You’ve put a LOT of good stuff out there over your tenure. In fact, for years I included a copy of Becca Hensley’s article on “Practice Plenty of Patience” in the incoming Austin Girls’ Choir teenagers’ packets -- it was so apropos to that age group and their fried-out parents. It was a real privilege and honor for Austin Girls’ Choir to be the cover story of the December 2008 issue, and I will always be grateful to you and Rebecca for giving us that huge boost.Thank you for all you have done -- for us AND for the community. All good wishes as you turn your considerable talents toward new paths.”

Sara Burden-McClureAustin Girls’ Choir

“Dear Ken,Our lives follow a path which connects us to a deeper purpose. This you I know you know. And each of what we embrace and commit has its own life cycle. We are all here to grow and change and expand our joyous possibilities. Your magazine was a gift to our community and I know that what you embark on how will be just a exhilarating and dedicated as what Good Life has been and in a the energetic level is.Take care and thank you for all the ways you contributed..

Sally JacquesArtistic DirectorBlue Lapis Light

“I too see the loss of “Good Life” with deep regret. Your magazine covered the full spectrum of average residents of the Austin area. Your efforts were well founded and will be MISSED by many readers.”